Clashes between forces linked to Ethiopia’s Oromia and Somali regional states have driven hundreds of people across the border into Kenya, prompting an emergency humanitarian response in Moyale, Marsabit County.
The fighting intensified on October 22 following days of tension in the Ethiopian border town.
After the cross-border attacks, the Kenya Red Cross Society launched an initial response targeting 1,000 households, providing emergency shelter, household supplies, nutritional support, and first aid to families arriving from across the border.
In a statement dated October 22, Kenya Red Cross said it will offer aid to families arriving in Moyale, in coordination with the Marsabit County Government, national authorities, and humanitarian partners.
The organization is also providing Super Cereal, a fortified porridge flour intended to support young children, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers, as well as first aid for people requiring medical attention.
A rapid needs assessment is also underway to identify urgent gaps in food, safe water, sanitation, hygiene, primary healthcare, and protection.
In addition, the organization will also help separated family members reconnect through its family links services.
“Our teams are also providing first aid to those in need. The response will initially reach 1,000 households. Our priority is to make sure every family arriving in Moyale is safe, sheltered and treated with dignity. Our volunteers and staff are on the ground and will continue to respond as needs evolve,” Kenya Red Cross Secretary General Dr Ahmed Idris noted.
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Flag Dispute Precedes Deadly Confrontation
According to Addis Standard, an Ethiopian news outlet, the latest tensions began on October 18, when an administrative office associated with the Somali Regional State opened in Moyale and raised its regional flag.
The confrontation reportedly escalated into an exchange of gunfire involving Oromia militia members and Somali regional police.
Ethiopian National Defense Force personnel reportedly intervened during the initial incident.
However, a 13-year-old girl was killed during the violence, according to a report published by AllAfrica, noting that differences arose over who was responsible for her death.
Following the death of the 13-year-old girl, residents protested, demanding accountability.
The situation deteriorated again on October 22, when further clashes were reported in and around Moyale.
Al Jazeera reports on the incident indicated that the regional clash between the Oromia and Somali occurred away from the larger conflict in the northern Tigray region between government forces and a rebel alliance led by the Tigray People’s Liberation Front.
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Hundreds cross into Kenya Amid Ethiopia Cross-Border Attacks
Kenyan police said hundreds of Ethiopians entered Kenya through several crossing points around Moyale, including Sessi, Kore, Biashara, Foundation and Miti, between October 21 and October 22.
Marsabit County Commissioner Stanley Kamande told Reuters that many arrivals were staying with relatives and well-wishers.
“A few persons have crossed into Kenya, mainly women and children. Many are staying with relatives and well-wishers in several villages on the Moyale side of Kenya,” Stanley Kamande stated.
During the attack, a stray bullet reached the Kenyan side, and an officer at Moyale police station was hit on the head by a bullet that struck a metal bar; however, police reported that the officer was not hurt.
Further, a woman was shot in the neck and was immediately taken to a private hospital; police confirmed that the woman was stable.
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